Assistant Private Investigator Cate Kinkaid returns in Lorena McCourtney’s “Death Takes a Ride.” As Cate prepares to receive her official PI license, and possibly take over her uncle’s investigation business, she stumbles upon a double shooting at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations.

Cate is quickly drawn into this case by her own being-on-the-premises-at-the-time-of-the-crime involvement, as well as by Halliday himself. What follows is a story full of twists and turns —trying to determine who is involved and guilty — and moments both silly and intense.

McCourtney fills her book with lovable characters — found in Cate, her special friend Mitch, her cat Octavia, the lovable and giant dog Clancy, and even H&B employee Shirley. The author includes many fun and sweet moments between Cate and Mitch, and hilarious times between Octavia and Clancy. She does a great job of really developing the characters and their interactions. Cate is so real and normal and relatable.

Her plot keeps you guessing until the very end. This is a fun and sweet tale. Cozy mystery lovers will adore “Death Takes a Ride.”

“That’s perhaps the biggest miracle: People prayed and God honored their prayers.”

“I died on January 18, 1989.” Thus begins Don Piper’s amazing book about his 90-minute death and trip to heaven after a horrific car accident following his attendance at the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The book chronicles the accident and his recovery after the accident.

It delves into his experience in heaven, with beautiful, sensory descriptions of the place where he spent 90 minutes. He describes meeting his loved ones outside the gates of heaven, as well as the beautiful sights and sounds he experienced.

Piper is very real and very open about his extremely painful and horrible recovery experience. It is at times difficult to read, but it’s also extremely encouraging. “I had experienced heaven, returned to earth, and then suffered through the closest thing to hell on earth I ever want to face. It would be a long time before my condition or attitude changed.”

But “90 Minutes” isn’t just a book about a trip to heaven. It also delves into the very real power of prayer and the existence of miracles. He shares examples of moments over and over again when prayer had a huge impact on his healing — physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

The 10th anniversary edition also offers updates on Piper’s life — he is now more able to answer the “Why” questions found at the end of the original printing. It also offers testimonies and stories of encouragement from others who have heard his story and been impacted by it; and he offers favorite Bible verses and quotes about prayer, comfort and heaven.

Piper is an amazing writer — just as his story is an amazing story. He is extremely open, raw and honest in the revelation of his near death experience. His writing is also loving and encouraging, meant to uplift those who read it; and a great witness to God’s love and miraculous happenings.